Former national security adviser John Bolton has raised the stakes in Washington’s already tense atmosphere by calling for FBI investigations into two of President-elect Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet picks: Tulsi Gabbard and Matt Gaetz. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has been tapped for director of national intelligence (DNI), while Gaetz, a sitting Republican congressman from Florida, is Trump’s choice for attorney general.
Speaking on NewsNation’s The Hill, Bolton didn’t mince words. He argued that both nominees should undergo comprehensive FBI background checks before their Senate confirmation hearings. Bolton framed this as a necessary step to demonstrate to adversaries like China that the U.S. is serious about safeguarding its national security.
“I don’t think either she or Matt Gaetz ought to have a confirmation hearing until they have both had full-field FBI investigations,” Bolton told anchor Blake Burman. “And then I think the Chinese would say, ‘Maybe they are serious.’”
When pressed specifically about Gabbard, Bolton doubled down. “Given the Russian propaganda that she has espoused over the past period of time, I think she’s a serious threat to our national security,” he said.
Bolton’s criticisms stem in part from Gabbard’s past statements, which he views as undermining U.S. foreign policy. He cited a January 2020 interview in which Gabbard condemned the Trump administration’s decision to assassinate Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, describing it as “an illegal and unconstitutional act of war.”
“So that’s the kind of person that we’re going to put in charge of our overall intelligence community?” Bolton questioned, expressing incredulity at Trump’s choice.
Bolton suggested that Gabbard’s appointment would signal weakness to China, undermining the administration’s credibility on critical security issues. “With his announcement of Tulsi Gabbard to be the director of national intelligence, he’s sending a signal that we have lost our mind when it comes to collecting intelligence,” Bolton remarked.
While Gabbard’s nomination drew heavy criticism, Bolton reserved his sharpest barbs for Gaetz, calling his selection for attorney general the worst Cabinet appointment in modern U.S. history. “Up until a few hours ago, I would have said Gabbard was the worst Cabinet appointment in recent American history. Of course, since Matt Gaetz’s nomination, he clearly has taken the lead on that score.”
Bolton expressed skepticism about Gaetz’s ability to manage the Department of Justice, citing his controversial record in Congress and various legal troubles. He suggested that Gaetz’s appointment sends an equally troubling message to China and other international actors.
“It’s not an indication that the administration is serious about one of the most important aspects of dealing with a threat like China, which is intelligence and law enforcement,” Bolton said.
Bolton’s public condemnation of the nominees has added fuel to an already heated confirmation process. Both Gabbard and Gaetz are polarizing figures, with staunch supporters and fierce detractors on both sides of the aisle.
For Gabbard, accusations of promoting Russian propaganda have long dogged her political career. Critics have pointed to her past appearances on Russian state media and her advocacy for a less interventionist U.S. foreign policy as evidence of alignment with Kremlin interests. Gabbard has consistently denied these allegations, framing them as attempts to discredit her anti-war stance.
Meanwhile, Gaetz has faced numerous controversies, including a federal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, though he has denied all wrongdoing and no charges have been filed. His nomination for attorney general has prompted fierce opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, who argue that his appointment would politicize the Justice Department.
Bolton’s remarks highlight a broader concern about the Trump administration’s approach to national security and governance. By calling for FBI investigations into the nominees, Bolton is urging a more rigorous vetting process to ensure that those in top positions are beyond reproach.
He also framed his critique as a message to America’s adversaries, particularly China, which he views as a rising threat. “If we’re going to be serious about national security, we need to send a clear and unmistakable signal,” Bolton said. “That starts with ensuring our leaders are fully vetted and capable of meeting the challenges we face.”
Whether Bolton’s calls for FBI investigations will gain traction remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the road to confirmation for Gabbard and Gaetz will be anything but smooth.
